Question

Describe several upper and lower respiratory tract disorders (other than cancer). If appropriate, explain why breathing is difficult with these conditions. (pages \(198-200\) )

Short answer

Sinusitis, Asthma, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are all respiratory tract disorders that can hinder respiration. Sinusitis is an upper respiratory disorder where inflammation in the nasal cavity due to viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, allergies, or structural problems, can lead to congestion and swelling, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. Asthma and COPD, lower respiratory tract disorders, result in breathing difficulties due to constriction and inflammation of the airways and damage to lung tissues respectively. Asthma often involves episodes of shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing triggered by allergens, irritants, physical activity, cold air, or infections. COPD, a progression of diseases that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is majorly caused by exposure to tobacco smoke. In COPD, the reduced airflow and difficulty in expelling air from the lungs result in frequent bouts of coughing, shortness of breath, and regular difficulties in performing routine activities.

Step-by-step solution

1. Selection of Upper and Lower Respiratory Tract Disorders

We will discuss three respiratory tract disorders: one affecting the upper respiratory tract and two affecting the lower respiratory tract.

Upper Respiratory Tract Disorder - Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, which are air-filled spaces in the skull surrounding the nasal cavity. It can be caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, allergies, or structural problems in the nasal passage. Breathing difficulties in sinusitis might arise due to inflammation, congestion, and swelling in the nasal cavity. This results in difficulty in breathing through the nose and an increased need to breathe through the mouth.

Lower Respiratory Tract Disorder - Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by inflammation of the airways, leading to narrowing and constriction. Asthma can be triggered by various factors, such as allergens, irritants, exercise, cold air, or viral infections. Breathing difficulties in asthma occur due to the constriction and inflammation of the airways. This leads to increased difficulty in moving air in and out of the lungs, causing shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.

Lower Respiratory Tract Disorder - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a group of progressive lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The primary cause of COPD is exposure to tobacco smoke, both in smokers and through secondhand smoke. Other factors include air pollution and genetic predisposition. Breathing difficulties in COPD are due to the destruction of lung tissue, airway narrowing, and inflammation in the airways. This results in reduced airflow and difficulty expelling air from the lungs, leading to shortness of breath, frequent coughing, and difficulty performing everyday activities. In summary, sinusitis, asthma, and COPD are examples of upper and lower respiratory tract disorders that can cause breathing difficulties. The reasons for difficulty in breathing are due to inflammation, congestion, narrowing or constriction of airways, and damage to lung tissue.

Key concepts

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a condition where the sinuses, which are hollow spaces in the bones around the face, become inflamed. This can occur when the sinuses are blocked and filled with fluid, allowing germs to grow and cause infection.

Sinusitis can be triggered by different factors, including:

• Viral infections, like the common cold
• Bacterial or fungal infections
• Allergies, like hay fever
• Structural problems in the nasal cavity, such as a deviated septum

When someone has sinusitis, they might find it hard to breathe through their nose. This is because the inflammation and mucus can make the nasal passages swell and become congested. As a result, they might have to breathe more through their mouth, and they might experience symptoms like:

• Facial pain or pressure
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Loss of smell
• Coughing

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways in the lungs. These airways are always a bit inflamed in people with asthma, and they get even more swollen when something, like an allergen or exercise, triggers an asthma attack.

The swelling of the airways causes them to narrow, making it difficult for air to move in and out. During an asthma attack, several symptoms can occur, including:

• Wheezing, which is a whistling sound when you breathe
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Coughing, especially at night or early in the morning

Asthma can be managed by avoiding triggers and using medications that help reduce inflammation in the airways. It's important for people with asthma to work with their healthcare providers to create a plan to control their symptoms and prevent severe attacks.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a term that includes diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which involve progressive damage to the lungs and obstruction of airflow. COPD is primarily caused by long-term exposure to irritants, especially cigarette smoke.

In individuals with COPD, the air sacs in the lungs (called alveoli) are damaged, and the airways become narrowed due to inflammation. This leads to reduced airflow, making it hard to breathe out fully. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent cough with mucus production
• Shortness of breath, particularly during physical activities
• Chest tightness
• Frequent respiratory infections

Managing COPD involves quitting smoking, taking medications to open the airways, and sometimes using oxygen therapy. It is important to stay active and healthy, as better physical fitness can help increase the ability to perform everyday activities with less difficulty.